2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Disk Brake Conversion

[GBlaksley]

Anybody lately done the conversion to rear disk brakes? I've heard that the GM calipers provided by EGR are not big enough when hauling at max gross weight. I need new brake shoes, due to a leaking axle seal, and now would be the time to do the conversion.



Everybody seems to have parking brake problems, too.



Thanks in advance for your help



96 Dodge 4 Wheel Drive

5 Speed

 

[jtwcummins]

After I did the EGR number to the front I found I have great brakes. Looked hard at the rear disc conversion, even from a later model RAM, and just did EGR brakes\harware kit and larger cylinders in the rear. Have very good brakes. The issues you mentioned helped in my decision.

 

[Midnite]

Personally if/when the time comes where I need better rear brakes, I'm going to go with larger wheel cylinders and the 3" shoes. I just don't think the cost/benefit ratio justifies it for me. Now, if you just *want* to do it, then that's different, and you should go for it.

 

[Regcabguy]

EGR rear disc conversion

After doing the larger wheel cylinder swap-out,I went with the EGR rear brake setup. Vast improvement over drums. After initial break-in and parking brake re-adjustment,the parking brake is pretty good although up to stock standards. After exhausting other options and nearly killing fellow drivers and pedestrians,I'm happy with the EGR. 's. I've read complaints from the 3rd gen guys and can't see the problem. I drove a friend's 10,000+GVW '05 3500 4wd. and thought it stopped as good as my Honda Pilot! You guys have good brakes,be thankful!

 

[Reddog1]

Personally if/when the time comes where I need better rear brakes, I'm going to go with larger wheel cylinders and the 3" shoes.

Please explain, "3-inch shoes".



Thanks,



Wayne

 

[Demons_Ram]

Wayne,

He's reffering to the width of the brake shoe material. It will physcially fit inside the drum with no problem provided the narrower shoes haven't made a groove inside the drum. If so, you''l have to have them brake lathe turned.

 

[Reddog1]

Demons_Ram - Thanks. I wonder if it is worth having the drums turned? I haul a 4000 pound camper in the bed. I would be willing to spend the money for a proven better brake system.





Wayne

 

[Matt42]

Three Inch Shoes

Wayne,

He's reffering to the width of the brake shoe material. It will physcially fit inside the drum with no problem provided the narrower shoes haven't made a groove inside the drum. If so, you''l have to have them brake lathe turned.

What part number shoes would I ask for? Asked another way, what model truck do the three inch shoes fit?

 

[EricBu12]

Hey all, want a long term report on this?



I did this mod over 3 years ago and I am pleased with the better braking, smoother stops and almost no maintenance needed. I have replaced the pads when there were not eworn out yet, jut my paranoia I guess...



The pads for the rear calipers is for a '78 Oldsmobile Toranado



The Parking brake is less effective than a drum... hence why the new trucks with Disk have an inner drum for the E-brake... . I was told a good way to maximize the hold of the E-brake is to pre-load it with the foot pedal, then push the parking brake. Thi was able to hold the truck on a 10% grade... . just the truck itself though... .



I tow a 15 K 5th wheel toyhauler... . I do have the slotted front rotors and carbon kevlar pads. . and the Jacobs E-brake... So the rear disk is vrey well, has done flawlessly in the salt belt here in Salt Lake City...



So go do it no matter what your reason, just to get out of "Last" generation brakes.

 

[BMote]

Shoe Size

I've ran 3" shoes on my 91 for ten yrs now. The large brake cylinders fit a mid 90's Chev 1T. The 12x3" shoes are stock for 1T DODGE most of these yrs. Have to turn drums to remove the groove the 2 3/4 shoes have worn in. Not a big deal, I turn my drums at each time I replace the shoes anyway.

Braking quality is as good as 01 with disc brakes on rear.



91 w250 and 01 w250

 

[mstephenson]

my right front brake grabs more than the front left. leaving brake dust all over the wheel. also, you better have both hands on the wheel during a hard stop or else you'll end up in the next lane.



will the EGR setup give me a straight stop? or is this a design flaw and nothing will fix it except a for sale sign?



michele

 

[jtwcummins]

Have had EGR front setup for over 3 yrs and stop straight enough to be able to stop w/o holding steering wheel. Major issue is getting good calipers and really cleaning, aka polishing, the contact metal-metal area of caliper and mount. Using their high temp grease there and on the pins is also important.

IMHO the cost of the complete front setup was well worth the money!

 

[Alphacowboy]

when you guys changed to rear discs, did you have to do anything else to the system, like a regulator or somthing?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

No. Take the drums off and put the disks on. Reconnect lines, add fluid and bleed. A power bleeder is recommended. Pretty simple.

 

[Alphacowboy]

No. Take the drums off and put the disks on. Reconnect lines, add fluid and bleed. A power bleeder is recommended. Pretty simple.

woohoo, I am swapping in a 3rd gen rear axle with discs, and was hoping all I would have to do is bolt it right up.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

The 3rd gen shouldn't be too different. The biggest thing is trying to get all the air out.